The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

Response of UK Horse, Pony and Donkey Owners to the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The value of animals in providing emotional support during troubling times, including during the pandemic, is well recognised [ 8 , 10 , 19 ]. Perhaps of equal value is the comfort they provide by giving people who look after them a sense of purpose and routine [ 10 ], things that are lacking in a lockdown environment but are important for mental wellbeing [ 19 , 30 ]. This study did not specifically focus on the mental health implications of the pandemic, but the findings demonstrate the disruption it caused to daily equestrian life and established routine.…”

“…This was the first time in modern history that the UK population had been subjected to such extreme measures to control a human disease outbreak, and understandably the restrictions adversely impacted everyday life and mental wellbeing [1,3,[5][6][7]. While animal ownership or caregiving responsibilities might assuage some of the detrimental impacts of the current crisis, the pandemic is likely to escalate existing financial and practical concerns associated with owning or caring for an animal [5,[8][9][10]. The impact of the pandemic on the practicalities of providing care for horses, donkeys and mules in the UK forms the focus of this study.…”

“…The response of animal owners and caregivers to the COVID-19 pandemic has been investigated in several survey-based studies, which have typically focused on the pros and cons of companion animal ownership at this time, alongside the impact this has on human physical and mental health [1,8,10]. Equines fall under the British Small Animal While animal ownership or caregiving responsibilities might assuage some of the detrimental impacts of the current crisis, the pandemic is likely to escalate existing financial and practical concerns associated with owning or caring for an animal [5,[8][9][10]. The impact of the pandemic on the practicalities of providing care for horses, donkeys and mules in the UK forms the focus of this study.…”

“…While animal ownership or caregiving responsibilities might assuage some of the detrimental impacts of the current crisis, the pandemic is likely to escalate existing financial and practical concerns associated with owning or caring for an animal [ 5 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The impact of the pandemic on the practicalities of providing care for horses, donkeys and mules in the UK forms the focus of this study.…”

“…The response of animal owners and caregivers to the COVID-19 pandemic has been investigated in several survey-based studies, which have typically focused on the pros and cons of companion animal ownership at this time, alongside the impact this has on human physical and mental health [ 1 , 8 , 10 ]. Equines fall under the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) definition of companion animal [ 12 ] and most equestrians consider their horses this way and have strong feelings of attachment towards them [ 13 , 14 ].…”